What Is Cartography?
Cartography is the art and science of creating maps. It involves the gathering of geographical information, the storage, processing, and editing of this information, and the presentation of the data in map form. Cartography depends on sound geographical knowledge of the surface being mapped, as well as the many skills and tools instrumental to the mapping process.
Early Cartography
Cartography has been practiced since ancient times. For many centuries its highest application was the production of hand-drawn flat maps and charts assembled from information collected visually by explorers, and other individuals. As a result, they were not as accurate as modern maps, but are fascinating as a record of the level of knowledge and thought at the time. Map reproductions were also of great value because they were copied by hand.
Cartography is the art and science of creating maps. It involves the gathering of geographical information, the storage, processing, and editing of this information, and the presentation of the data in map form. Cartography depends on sound geographical knowledge of the surface being mapped, as well as the many skills and tools instrumental to the mapping process.
Early Cartography
Cartography has been practiced since ancient times. For many centuries its highest application was the production of hand-drawn flat maps and charts assembled from information collected visually by explorers, and other individuals. As a result, they were not as accurate as modern maps, but are fascinating as a record of the level of knowledge and thought at the time. Map reproductions were also of great value because they were copied by hand.